In Wandsworth Town Centre the council will offer grants of up to £1000 for vacant shops to install window dressings displaying attractive images of the local environment.

If the pilot proves successful it will be rolled out to other areas.

Another proposal is to use empty shops as art exhibition spaces - improving their appearance and providing a valuable platform for local artists.

Wandsworth is also offering shopkeepers grants and interest free loans to renovate their properties through the Town Centre Improvement Scheme (TCIS). This funding initiative can help persuade incoming investors to set-up-shop in the borough’s vacant premises. An additional £400,000 has been made available through the scheme.

Cllr James Cousins, Wandsworth regeneration spokesman said:

“These practical measures and modest investments can preserve resident and investor confidence and will keep shoppers returning to our town centres. Keeping up appearances is the best way of getting businesses back into these shops swiftly.

“These plans are part of a package of measures aimed at helping our business community through the recession. This includes a programme free business advice seminars, helping small firms to claim business rate relief and extending direct debit facilities for business rates from 10 to 12 months. We will also settle our invoices within shorter time frames.”

March 25, 2009